Gov. Andrew Cuomo aims to get ahead of the coronavirus spread by increasing the number of people being tested for the virus and this includes lessening the criteria needed to get a test. In Nassau County, this has now taken effect.
If you are an essential worker who comes into contact with the public either now or in phase one of reopening, or if you have been in contact with someone known to test positive for COVID-19, you can now take the test even if you’re asymptomatic. Testing sites in Nassau will also no longer require an appointment.
“The more people get tested, the more we can move towards reopening,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran during a press conference on Monday. “We have enough capacity here, and we want to make sure people are taking advantage of it.”
At this point, Nassau has satisfied five of the seven state requirements needed to reopen. Phase one will allow for nonessential manufacturers, constructions and retail stores to resume working as long as they follow social distancing guidelines and reduce the number of people allowed into their establishment. Retailers can only have curbside or in-store pickup.
Following suit with Suffolk County, elective surgeries, or surgeries planned in advance, are also being allowed to proceed.
Suffolk County has not jumped on the idea of allowing walk-ins and asymptomatic people to be tested altogether, but will consider it in the near future. Some select testing sites do offer testing for those who are asymptomatic in Suffolk.
